Welcome to Te Āpiti
Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge is a national taonga. Its unique geography and rich cultural history make it a must do for any trip to the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
Car parks at the Ashhurst end to the west and Ferry Reserve to the east provide ease of access to a number of tracks and trails, as well as river reserves, and camping and BBQ facilities to help you explore and enjoy this unique landscape.
Manawatū Gorge Track Access Closure:
The Tawa Loop Track is being upgraded to improve the track surface and drainage. Part of this upgrade is a new section of track from the Western Gateway Park, alongside the new state highway and a new pedestrian bridge.
Access to the Tawa Loop is closed from the Ashhurst end however you can still access the walking tracks from the Woodville side (note that you will not be able to exit the tracks at Ashhurst end so you would need to go back to the Woodville end).
The first section of the Tawa Loop Track is estimated to be restored in July 2025. This will allow the track to partially reopen and enable through access from Ashhurst to Ballance.
While the track reopens in July 2025 the upgrade will be ongoing. There will be complete/partial track closures while helicopters operate overhead/while sections of the track are worked on.
The estimated completion date for the entire track upgrade is the end of 2025.
Please keep an eye on Te Apiti Facebook page for further updates.
CARPARK HOURS FOR ACCESS: Summer access hours for the temporary carpark at the Ashhurst end of the Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge walking track have changed slightly.
The carpark is open from 5am to 9pm during October through to April. Previously the summer closing time was 10pm.
The gates at the intersection of Napier Rd and Fitzherbert East Rd will be locked from 9pm from now on, and members of the public are asked to please ensure they vacate the area before this time.
The winter opening hours of 6am to 7pm between May and September remain, and this does not impact access to the track from the Woodville end.
Ngā kōrero tuku iho mō Te Āpiti
The cultural history of Te Āpiti
Māori kōrero is filled with legends that show Aotearoa through spirits, magic and mysticism. The legend of Te Āpiti is no exception. Its story is filled with supernatural beings, curiosities of nature, and a connection to the land that goes far beyond what can be explained.
